[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 13 (Wednesday, February 5, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E161]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO RICHARD E. VATTER AND LORETTA SMITH VISION AWARD RECIPIENTS

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                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 1997

  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
charitable efforts of Mr. Richard E. Vatter, American Legion children 
and youth chairman and Loretta Smith, American Legion Auxiliary 
children and youth chairwoman. Mr. Vatter and Ms. Smith have been 
awarded the highest honor in the VISION [Volunteers In Service: 
Investing in Our Nation] program. Mr. Vatter and Ms. Smith are members 
of the American Legion. This organization was founded in 1919 with the 
mission to serve veterans and their families, the community, and the 
nation. In working to fulfill this goal Legion members donate a variety 
of resources to blood drives, Boys State, youth and adult athletic 
teams, educational scholarships, needy children, and veteran 
facilities.
  Mr. Vatter and Ms. Smith are members of the American Legion Post 176 
which has a 42-year history of good works in the Springfield community. 
Mr. Vatter and Ms. Smith were recognized for their work with the 
Spinoza buddy bear project. This project provides children who have 
chronic, life endangering, organ, mental, and emotional illnesses with 
a teddy bear that speaks. Mr. Vatter and Ms. Smith worked with the 
community and were able to procure 30 bears. This exceeded the 
expectations of the project and brought diverse elements of the 
Springfield community together to work toward this noteworthy goal.
  Congratulations, Mr. Vatter and Ms. Smith. It is my hope that your 
good works inspire others to focus time and energy on those less 
fortunate. Best of luck in the future to both of you and may American 
Legion Post 176 enjoy a long and active life in the Eighth District of 
Virginia.

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